Neighbors

George Washington To Cross River Christmas Day


Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

Dedicated reenactors will be staging the Continental Army’s daring 1776 crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day.

The annual free event will run from noon until 3 p.m. at McKonkey’s Ferry, now known as Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Upper Makefield. The actual crossing from the Pennsylvania river bank to New Jersey reenactment will start at 1 p.m.

Gen. George Washington – or at least John Godzieba, the reenactor who plays him – said Saturday’s forecasted rain should maintain enough water in the river for the Durham boats used in the enactment to cross.

“The weather is going be fantastic Sunday,” Godzieba said. “You’ll get to see history in the making.”

The reenactment will involve 250 actors, including new volunteers to help row the Durham boats across the chilly river.

Godzieba said Washington Crossing Historical Park is always looking for volunteers and reenactors.

 

Godzieba, who works as a police lieutenant in Bristol Township, said he’s ready to portray Washington.

“As soon as I put the uniform and hat on I go into Washington mood,” he said.

The crossing, according to Godzieba, wouldn’t happen without the work of volunteers and his command staff at the park.

 


About the author

Tom Sofield

Tom Sofield has covered news in Bucks County for 12 years for both newspaper and online publications. Tom’s reporting has appeared locally, nationally, and internationally across several mediums. He is proud to report on news in the county where he lives and to have created a reliable publication that the community deserves.